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Clay brick
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Clay brick
- Place of origin:
China (made)
- Date:
206 BC - 220 AD (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Clay
- Credit Line:
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
- Museum number:
A.28-1953
- Gallery location:
China, room 44, case 15
This brick is decorated with a stamped design of geometric motifs and standing figures, and captions describing them as officials in charge of guarding the tomb doors. It was part of the doorway of a grave. During the Han dynasty (206 BC- AD 220) the structure of burial sites was intended to mimic the architectural elements of a house, such as pillars, rafters, doorways or tile ends. This brick was made of four slabs of baked clay, with openings at both ends; traces of clay used to strengthen the interior and fingerprints are still visible.
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